Power-driven container transporting device



United States Patent Inventor Charles J. Ellerd I 105 Panorama Drive,Bakersfield, Calif.

App]. No. 815,875

Filed Apr. 14, 1969 Patented Dec. 29, 1970 POWER-DRIVEN CONTAINERTRANSPORTING DEVICE 12 Claims, 16 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 214/512, 280/408, 280/43.11,280/43.22 Int. Cl B60p 1/44 FieldofSearch 214/512; 280/408, 41 l, 412, 43.1 1 43.22, 43.23

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.480295 11/1969 DuerksenABSTRACT: A number of vehicles that can be connected in end-to-endrelationship and drawn by a forwardly disposed pair of power-drivenwheels, with each vehicle including a number of vertically movableframes which extend outwardly therefrom that are adapted to engage andraise a number of mobile containers to elevated positions whereby theycan be transported to a desired location. In addition, at least aportion of the vehicles are provided with pivotally movable rear wheelassemblies that automatically rotate in a horizontal plane tosubstantially track with the power-driven wheels and permit manipulationof the train of vehicles on narrow streets, around sharp corners, inconfined areas, and the like.

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LLEQD POWER-DRIVEN CONTAINER TRANSPORTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention A device for sequentially, pickingup a number of mobile containers and transporting the same to I adesired location where they may be disengaged from the device to rest onthe ground surface. I

2. Description of the Prior-Art v In the collection of trash and refusefrom residences and business establishments, it is the present daypractice to use expensive trucks for this purpose. After a truck hasbeen loaded, it must be driven to a dump into which the collected refuseis deposited. Such a dump may be many miles from the source ofcollection, and valuable time is lost-in making the trip to and from thedump. To compensate for such time loss, a number of expensive trucks arerequired, but by use of the present invention only one truck wouldsuffice if the trash or refuse could be collected at a central location,and permit collection of trash and refuse to continue whilethe truck wastraveling to, and returning from the dump.

The present invention overcomes the operational difficulties abovedescribed byproviding a sequence of vehicles that are connected inend-to-end relationship which are adapted to removably engage a numberof trash and refuse carrying mobile containers, and thereaftertransported to a desired location. The filled containers are left at thedesired location, and empty containers then mounted on the device. Thetruck carrying the trash and refuse to the dump receives the same at thedesired location, and leaves the empty containers to be subsequentlypicked up by the present invention when it returns to pick up moreloaded containers. Thus, the device of the present invention permitssubstantially continuous gathering of trash and refuse, rather thanbeing interrupted by trips to and from the dump, asis the case withpresently available equipment of this type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A sequence of vehicles removably connected inend-to-end relationship that are drawn by a forwardly disposed pair ofguidable power-driven wheels, with at least a portion of the supportingwheels on the vehicles being pivotally movablerelative thereto followingthe power-driven wheels as the latter are guided and move forwardly,each of which vehicles are capable of receiving and lifting a number ofmobile containers into elevated positions to permit transportation ofthe containers to a predetermined location.

A major object of the present invention is to provide a sequence ofcontainer-transporting vehicles that are so articulated as to track witha pair of forwardly disposed, guidable, power-driven wheels, with thetrain of vehicles being adapted to follow the power-driven wheelsthrough narrow streets, alleys, or the like, as well as around sharpcomers.

Another object of the invention is to supply a sequence of power-drawnvehicles of relatively simple, inexpensive structure that areparticularly useful in sequentially picking up mobile containers atspaced positions and transporting the same in elevated positions to adesired location where they are lowered to the ground and disengagedfrom the vehicle.

A still further object of the invention is to furnish a sequence ofpower-drawn container-supporting vehicles that are particularly usefulin the collection of trash and refuse, and permit such collection to becarried out in a more economical manner than possible by the use ofequipment available heretofore.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first ofa-series of articulated container-supporting vehicles and thepower-driven wheels used in moving the vehicle forwardly;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the articulated device used onthe first vehicle; i

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the power meansused on the first vehicle in moving containersupporting frames betweenfirst and second positions;

FIG. 4 is a topplan view of the sequence of articulatedcontamer-transporting vehicles and the power-driven wheels used inmoving the same forwardly;

FIG. Sis a side elevational view of the sequence of articulatedcontainer-transporting vehicles traveling over an irregular terrain; v

- FIG; 6 is a top plan view of the sequence of articulated vehicles andpower-driven wheels in the positions they occupy in traversing a curvedpath; 7 g

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the first vehicle, takenon the line 7-7 thereofin FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is the same transversecross-sectional view as that in FIG. 7, butafter the container-transporting frames have been raised from first tosecond positions; I

FIG. 9 is a combined longitudinal cross-sectional and side elevationalview of one of the hydraulic power units, taken on the line 9-9 of FIG.7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of one of the units that initiallylifts one of the container-supporting frames relative to a fixed pair ofarms between which the frame is disposed when in a first position; i 7

FIG. 11 is a second side elevational view ofthe unit shown in FIG. 10,but after the unit has raised the container-supporting frame with whichit is associated relative to the pair of arms between which the frame isdisposed when in a first position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first alternate form of bin- I FIG.16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 15,taken on the line 16-16 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The container-transportingdevice A, as best seen in FIGS.

1, 4, 5, and 6, includes first, second and third vehicles B, C,

and D, respectively, that are pivotally connected in end-to-endrelationship. Each of the vehicles B, C, and D is adapted to engage andsupport a' number of generally rectangular containers E in elevatedpositions to permit the containers to be transported to a predeterminedlocation where the containers are lowered to a supporting surface anddisengaged from the vehicle.

Each container E has a fiat bottom 10 and legs 12 (FIGS. 6 and 7) whichdepend from the corners thereof. Eachleg 12 rotatably supports a wheel14. Because of the wheels 14, the containers E can be moved inwardlytoward the vehicle 8, C, or D on which it is to be transported, or movedoutwardly therefrom after arrival at a desired location.

The first vehicle B, as best seen in FIG. 1,.includes a longitudinallyextending drawbar F provided with a raised, horizontal forward extensionthat is pivotally connected by a pin G to substantially the center of acrossmember- H which occupies a fixed position above a pair of guidable,power-driven, pneumatic-tired wheels J. The wheels J are illustrated inFIG. 1 as being the rear wheels of a tractor K. I

The first pneumatic-tired wheel assembly L 'is pivotally connectedto therear end of the drawbar F. A second pneumatictired wheel assembly M isdisposed under the'drawbar F intermediate the power-driven wheels J andthe first wheel assembly L. 1

First and second elongate rigid supports N are axially aligned and inlongitudinally spaced relationship. The supports N are situated underdrawbar F, and the first ends of supports N are pivotally connected tothe drawbar. Second ends of t'he supports N are pivotally connected byassemblies to the second wheel assembly M. Due to the pivotalconnections above described, the second wheel assembly M may, as thefirst vehicle A travels, move upwardly and downwardly relative to thedrawbar F over rough terrain.

Pairs of transverse arms P extend outwardly in opposite directions fromthe supports N, as may best be seen in FIG. 1. The lateral spacingbetween the arms P in each pair is less than the distance betweenoppositely disposed legs 12 to permit each container E to be rolledinwardly toward drawbar F to straddle a pair of the arms.

A number of container-supporting frames Q are provided, which when infirst positions, are disposed within the confines of the pairs of armsP. The frames Q are pivotally connected to the pairs of arms P withwhich they are associated by a number of links R, best seen in FIG. 8.

Power means, best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 9, are provided for pullingthe frames 0 and containers E supported thereon I up,wardly and inwardlytoward the drawbar F, with the frames f as they so move inwardly, risingto second positions where the wheels 14 of containers E supported on theframes are out of contact with the ground surface. When the containers Eare disposed in the second position, they can be transported by thedevice A to a desired location. Upon arrival at the intended destinationthe power means S is actuated to allow the frames Q to return to firstpositions where the wheels wheels of the containers E rest on the groundsurface. The containers E may there be rolled outwardly from the deviceA and disengaged therefrom.

' Articulating means T (shown in FIG. 2) extend between the first wheelassembly L and the crossmember H, which means automatically pivot thefirst wheel assembly to permit it to track with the power-driven wheels.I as the device A is moved forwardly along a curved path (FIG. 6).

The second vehicle C is identical to the first vehicle B, other ,thanthat the forward end of the drawbar in the second vehicle terminatesabove a crossmember U. The drawbar of the second vehicle C does notinclude a raised, horizontal, forward extension. The crossmember abutsagainst the first wheel assembly L, and is removably secured thereto bylocks V, as may best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4. Elements in the secondvehicle C common to those comprising the first vehicle B are designatedby the same identifying numerals used in conjunction with the firstvehicle, but to which primes have been added.

The third vehicle D is, in effect, a trailer for removably supporting anumber of containers E and will be described in detail later.

Drawbar F of first vehicle B, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is preferablyof hollow rectangular cross section The drawbar F, as may be seen inFIG. 1, includes a relatively long horizontal section 16 that developson the forward end into a riser 18 from which a substantially horizontalextension 20 projects forwardly. Extension 20 is rigidly secured to aplate 22 that pivotally engages the pin G.

.Drawbar section 16 has two longitudinally spaced pairs of lugs 24depending therefrom, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7. A transverse rod 26extends through each pair of these lugs 24. Each rod 26 pivotallysupports two downwardly extending plates 28 on the ends thereof, whichplates are secured to the first ends of two parallel, longitudinallyextending, laterally spaced bars 30.

Second wheel assembly M includes a transverse elongate rigid member 32that rotatably supports two pneumatic-tired wheels 34 on the endsthereof. Two pairs of laterally spaced lugs 36 project forwardly andrearwardly from member 32. A pin 38 extends through each lug 36 andpivotally engages two laterally spaced plates 40 forming a part of thepivot assembly O.'The plates 40 are secured to two crossmembers 42located forwardly and rearwardly of member 32 and parallel thereto, asshown in FIG. 1. Second ends of bars abut against crossmembers 42 andare welded or otherwise rigidly secured thereto.

Each pair of bars 30, as may best be seen in FIG. I, has a pair of armsP affixed thereto, with the arms extending outwardly in oppositedirections from the supporting bars. When the frames 0 are in firstpositions they are located between one of the pair ofarms P.

Each frame 0 is defined by two parallel, laterally spaced side pieces 44that are connected to a first inner end piece 46 and a second outer endpiece 48. The inner and outer ends of each side piece 44 are providedwith-links R pivotally con? nected thereto by pins 50, as shown in FIGS.The lower end of links R are pivotally connected to arms P by pins 52,as shown in FIG. 8. The links R are'substantially parallel to. the armsP when the frames 0 are in the first position shownin FIGS. I and 7.

Two parallel, laterally spaced elongate plates 54 project inwardly fromthe center of each frame 0 (FIG. 1). Each pair of plates 54 rotatablyengages a shaft 56, the ends of which are journaled in portions 44a ofthe side pieces 44 and project therethrough. Actuating members 58 aresecured to the pro-- jecting ends of each shaft 56, as may be seen inFIGS. 10 and 11. When the frames Q are in a first position the actuatingmembers 58 are disposed as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Each actuating member 58 has 1 a pin 60 projecting therefrom thatpivotally engages a link 62 in which a longitudinally extending slot 62ais formed. Each slot 62sIidabIy and pivotally engages a pin 64 that issupported from one of the side pieces 44 by a lug 66, as shown in FIGS.10 and 11. An inner recessed end of each link 62 slidably engages lug 68that extends from the interior surface of the most adjacent arm P. Alever 70 is rigidly securedto the center of each shaft 56 and dependsdownwardly and outwardly therefrom when the frame 62 with which it isassociated is in the first position shown in FIGS. land 10.

An elongate pull member 72 is pivotally connected to the lower end oflever 70 by a pin 74. A tensioned helical spring 76 is provided for eachof the levers 70, and is connected to the pin 74 thereof, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. The outer end of each spring 76 is connected to theend'piece 48 with which it is associated. Each spring 76 tends to at alltimes maintain the frame Q with which it is associated in the firstposition shown in FIG. 7.

A cable 78 extends inwardly and upwardly from each pull member 72 to oneof the power means S, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8. The legs 12 of eachcontainer E are so spaced that the legs straddle on eof the pair of armsP when the container is rolled inwardly toward the drawbar F. The bottom10, when a container E is so straddling one of the pairs of arms P, isat such an elevation as to be disposed slightly above one of the framesQ, as shown in FIG. 7. Each frame Q is in the first position shown inFIGS. 1 and 7 when a container E is rolled inwardly relative thereto.Inward movement of each container E, relative to a pair of arms P, islimited by a pair of first stops 80 that project upwardly from first endpiece 46. Second stops 81 are mounted on the links R to hold thecontainers E on the frames Q when the frames are in the second positionsshown in FIG. 7.

When it is desired to lift one of thecontainers E from the firstposition (FIG. 2) to the second position illustrated in FIG. 8, thecable 78 associated with that particular container is caused to move thepull member 72 connected thereto inwardly toward drawbar F. Inwardmovement of one of the pull member s 72 causes lever 70 connectedthereto to pivot in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Such movement of lever 70 results in actuation of members 58 to pivot ina clockwise direction (FIGS.- 10 and ll ).This movement of actuatingmembers 58 causes pivotal and slidable movement of a pair of links 62relative to the pins 64. Slidable and pivotal movement of a pair oflinks 62 results in the exertion ofa force on the lugs 68, as shown inFIGS. 7, I0, and 11. that lifts one of the frames Q and container'E-upwardly relative to one of the pair of arms P. Such movement of a pairof links 62 terminates when the right-hand end of the slots 62a in links62 contact the pins 64. Further inward movement of one of the cables 78exerts an inward force on second end piece 48,.shown in FIG. 1, tocomplete the movement of the frame Q of which the end piece forms a partof the second position illustrated in FIG. 8. 1

The reason for using the combination of elements shown in FIGS. and 11to initiate upward movement of the frames Q and containers E supportedthereon is that when the frames are in the first positions (FIG. 7) thecables '78 are at but a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axesof the links R. Be fore the cables 78 can exert a substantial torque onthe links R, the links must be pivoted upwardly-and inwardly to theextent that the outer ends of the longitudinal axes thereof are elevateda substantial distance above the centers of the pins 52. Such initialupward movement of the links R is accomplished by use of the combinationof elements shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Each set of oppositely disposed pairs of arms P has one of the powermeans S associated therewith that-is mounted at substantially the centerof one pair of bars 30, as may best be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 8, and 9.Each power means S includes two parallel, spaced plates 82 that aretransversely positioned on one of the pairs of bars 30 and rotatablysupport first, second and-third pairs of pulleys84, 86, and 88,respectively, best seen in FIG. 3. A hydraulic cylinder 90 extendsforwardly from each pair of plates 82 and is connectedthereto by a pin92, best seen in FIG. 9. A piston rod 94 isslidably mounted in eachcylinder 90. Each piston rod 94 has a block 96 mounted on the forwardend thereof that is slidably keyed to one pair of bars 30. Each block 96rotatably supports a fourth pair of pul- I leys 98. The two cables 78used in moving'oppositely positioned frames 0 from first to secondpositions, each engage third, second, first, and fourth pulleys 88, 86,84, and 98, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3. Loops 100a are formed inthe ends 100 of cables 78 (FIG. 9) that are secured to brackets 102which extend outwardly from one of .the plates 82.

A flexible conduit 104 extends from the rear end of each hydrauliccylinder 90 to a conventional hydraulic pump 106 mounted on the drawbarF, as shown in FIG. 1. Actuation and control of fluid to and from eachpump 106 is accomplished by means of handle 108, as best seen inFIG.- 1. One end ofa tensioned helical spring 111 (FIG. 9) is'connectedto a cable 112 that extends forwardly and is affixed to block 96. Spring111 tends to at all times maintain piston 94 and block 96 in theposition shown in FIG. 9. When fluid is discharged from one of the pumps106 by actuation of the handle 108 associated therewith, block 94 ismoved forwardly, and frames Q and containers E may be lifted from thefirst to the second positions shown in FIG. 7; v v

The first wheel assembly L (FIG.- 1) includes a second crossmember 110that rotatably supports two pneumatic-tired wheels 112 on the ,ends 30.A vertical pin 114 projects. up-

second crossmember 110, and extends forwardly therefrom under the rearportion of the drawbar section 16.

The first ends of two cables 122 and 124 are affixed to the outer upperportions of the first crossmember H, as may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,and these cables slidably engage the first guide 118. The cables 122 and124 enter the hollow interior of the drawbar F through two oppositelydisposed openings 126 in the extension 20 thereof. After entering theconfines of the drawbar extension 20, cables 122 and 124 engage firstand second pairs of pulleys 12 8 and 130, respectively. The cables 122and 124 thereafter extend rearwardly through the drawbar section 6 wherethey cross one another to engage a pair of pulleys 1 2. Afterpassing-over the third pair of pulleys 132, the cables 122 and l24exitthrough opextend that-the'wheel 112 substantially tracks with thepowerdriven wheels J. The second vehicle C, as may best be seen in FIGS.4 and 5, as well as partially in FIG. 1, is of the same structure asthat of first vehicle B, with the exception that it does not include thedrawbar riser 18, and, due to this omission, the section 16 andextension 20-of drawbar F forming a part of the second vehicle are inlongitudinal alignment. 7

A plate 22' is secured to drawbar extension 20'. Plate 22', pivotallyengages pin 114, and also overlies the central portion of thirdcrossmember U as illustratedin FIG. '1. Third crossmember U has a thirdsemicircular grooved guide 136 extending rearwardly therefrom underdrawbar extension 20'. The third crossmember U is removably held inabutting. contact with the second crossmember by conventional lockingmeans 140 that may be trailer-hitch assemblies, or the like.

The forward ends of cables 122" and 124 are secured to cross member U.The cables 122' and 124' continue rearwardly through the drawbar F (FIG.4) to slidably engage a semicircular grooved guide 120 secured to theupper surface of a fourth cross member 110'. The rear ends of the cables122' and 124 are connected to'the .upper surface of the crossmember 110'by fastening means 134. v

The third vehicle D includes a horizontal drawbar F, to the forward endof which a plate 22" is affixed, and this drawbar pivotally engages thepin 114'. The rear end of the crossbar F" isrigidly secured to acrossmember 110." that rotatably supports pneumatic-tired wheels 112",Two pairs of arms P" extend outwardly in opposite directions from thesides of the drawbar F", and another pair of arms P" extend rearwardlytherefrom. The three pairs of arms P" serve to movably support frames 0"in the same manner as the frames 0 are supported from arms P in thefirst vehicle B.

In use, operation of the present invention is most simple. Thecontainers E are rolled into a position to straddle the pairs of arms P,P or P", with the frames Q, Q or Q" being in the first position. Pumps106 are then actuated to move the .frames Q, Q or Q-', and the containerE disposed thereabove into an elevated second position. The power-drivenwheels J are thereaftercaused to move the device A forwardly, and withthe first, second and third vehicles B,'C and D following the same, inthe manner shown in FIG. 6, due to the articulation controls T andT'.'When a desired destination is reached, the above-described operationis reversed to deposit the containers E from the device A on the groundsurface.

A first alternate from of bin-lifting mechanism W for heavy bins isshown in FIGS. l2 14, which is adapted as a substitute forthebin-lifting mechanisms previously described and illustrated in FIGS.1 and 7-1l inclusive.

v The mechanism W includes two pairs of forks 142 that are in transversealignment and extend outwardly from opposite sides of the drawbar F orF. Each pair of forks 142 is supported from the lower ends of a pair ofuprights 144 that are connected by upper and lower rigid members 146 and148, respectively. The uprights 144 each have two or more brackets 150extending inwardly that support short shafts 152 on which rollers 154are rotatably supported. The rollers 1S6 rotatably engage verticalslotted guides 158 which are rigidly secured to drawbar F by clips 160.The longitudinally aligned guides 158 are connected on their lower endsby elongate stop members 162.

A transversecross piece 164 extends between upper members 146 andsupports a vertical hydraulic cylinder 166. A piston 168 depends fromcylinder l66,"and the lower end thereof is secured to drawbar F, asshown in FIG, 14. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may be discharged intothe'lower interior portion of cylinder 166 from a source (not shown)through a conduit 168. Fluid may also be discharged from the cylinderthrough the same conduit 168 by valve means (not shown). v a

. When'it is desired to transport a roller-supported container E on thedevice A which includes the lifting mechanism W, the container is rolledto a position where a pair of forks 142 extend thereunder. Hydraulicfluid under pressure is then discharged to cylinder 166, with the forks142 being lifted to an elevated position where the bins E supportedthereon may be transported on the device A to a desired destination.During such transportation, pressure, must of course, be maintained onthe fluid in cylinder 166. Upon arrival at the destination, pressure onthe fluid in cylinder 166 is slowly relieved, with the fork 142 and binsE supported thereon moving downwardly due to force of gravity until thebins rest on the ground. The bins E may then be rolled outwardly awayfrom the transporting device A to permit further use of the latter. Thesecond alternate form of bin-lifting mechanism Y shown in FIGS. and 16embodies certain of the elements used in the first form W. Thoseelements in the second form of mechanism Y which are common to the firstform W are identified herein by the same numerals to which primes have.been added.

drawbar F and the upper portion of upright 178.

Two cables 184 are provided, the first ends of which are secured toupright 178, with the cables engaging first, second and third pulleys176, 180, and 182, with the second cable ends being secured to the rigidmembers 146'. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the interiorend portion of cylinder 172 most adjacent upright 178 through a conduit184 from a source (not shown).

The hydraulic fluid so discharged into cylinder 172 moves cross piece174 away from upright 178, and the forks 142' are raised on thetransporting device A as a result thereof. The forks 142' and containersE are supported in an elevated position only when pressure is maintainedon the hydraulic fluid in cylinder 172. When the maintenance of pressureon the fluid in ,cy linder 172 is terminated the forks 142' will movedownwardly to their lowermost position by force of gravity.

A spring-loaded cable 186 extends between upright 178 and cross piece174, and tends at all times to maintain the cross piece in the positionshown in FIG. 15. The second form Y of the lifting mechanism serves thesame function as the first form W, and the method of use thereofaccordingly need not be-repeated.

lclaim:

1. In combination with a pair of laterally spaced, guidable,pneumatic-tired, power-driven wheels provided with a first crossmembersituated thereabove that occupies a fixed position relative to saidwheels, a first vehicle for transporting a plurality of generallyrectangular, mobile, flat-bottomed containers, from the corners of whichwheel-supporting legs project downwardly, which first vehicle comprises:

I a. an elongate drawbar including a raised horizontal forwardextension; i

b. first means for pivotally connecting said extension to substantiallythe center of said crossmember;

c. a first pneumatic-tired wheel assembly pivotally conjnec't ed to therear end of said drawbar;

d. a second pneumatic-tired wheel assembly under said drawbar,intermediately disposed between said extension and said first wheelassembly;

e. two elongate rigid supports in axially aligned and longitudinallyspaced relationship situated under said drawbar,"

being laterally spaced a distance less than that between oppositelydisposed legs on one of said containers;

. a plurality of container-supporting frames which when in. a firstposition, are disposed between said first and second pairs of arms; I

'. a plurality of links pivotally connecting said frames to said arms topermit said frames to move upwardly to second positions above said armswhen said frames are pulled inwardly towards said drawbar;

j. power means for selectively drawing said frames inwardly towards saiddrawbarito move said frames and containers supported thereon to saidsecond positions where said containers can be transported on saidvehicle to a desired location; and j w k. third meansoperativelyconnecting said first wheel as sembly and said firstcrossmember for pivoting said first wheel assembly to substantiallytrack with said powerdriven wheels as said vehicle moves forwardly totransport said containers to a desired location, with said containersbeing removable from said vehicle when said location has been reached byoperating said power means to move said frames to said first position.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said links aresubstantially parallel to said arms when said frames are in said firstpositions, which combination further includes:

a. a plurality of cables operatively connected to said power means andextending outwardly to said frames; and

b. fourth means mounted on said frames and connected to said cables forinitially lifting said frames relative to said arms when said powermeans moves said cables inwardly relative to said frames, which fourthmeans after said initial movement transfers the inwardly directed forcesfrom said cables to said frames without said relative movement to pivotsaid frames on said links to said second positions.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said first wheel assemblyincludes a second crossmember that is parallel to said first crossmemberwhen said power-driven wheels and the wheels of said first assembly arein longitudinal alignment, which third means comprises:

a. first and second arcuate grooved guides affixed to said first andsecond crossmembers, which guides extend towards one another;

b. pulley means mounted on said drawbar; and

c. first and second crossed-over cables extending longitudinally alongsaid drawbar to engage said pulley means and said first and secondcables rigidly secured to said first and second crossmembers.

4. A combination as defined in claim 2 wherein an in'- dividual one ofsaid power means is operatively associated with each of said pair ofarms for concurrently lifting two of said frames disposed between saidpair of arms and situated on opposite sides of said drawbar.

5. A combination as defined in claim 4 wherein each of said power meansfurther includes:

a. a hydraulic cylinder longitudinally disposed on one of said supportsand pivotally connected thereto;

b. pump means for supplying fluid under pressure to said cylinder;

c. a piston rod slidably movable in said cylinder;

d. first pulley means mounted on the outer end of said piston rod, whichfirst pulley means movably engages looped portions of two of saidcables; and

e. second pulley means for maintaining said cables in said loopedpositions, with first ends of said cables being connected to said powermeans, and said outwardly extending portions of said cables being movedinwardly as said first pulley means moves away from' said. hydrauliccylinder.

6. A combination as defined in claim l which further includes a secondvehicle comprising:

a. a second elongate drawbar pivotally connected to the rear end of saiddrawbar of said first vehicle;-

b. a third pneumatic-tired wheel assembly pivotally connected to therear end ofsaid second drawbar;

c. a fourth pneumatic-tired wheel assembly under said second drawbarlocated intermediate the forward end of said second drawbar and saidthird wheel assembly;

d. two elongate rigid second supports situated under said drawbar and inalignment with and longitudinally spaced from one another, with firstends of said second supports being pivotally connected to said seconddrawbar;

e. fourth means for pivotally connecting second ends of said secondsupports to said fourth wheel assembly tomaintain said fourth wheelassembly in a transverse position relative to said second drawbar andpermit said fourth wheel assembly to move vertically whensaid secondvehicle traverses an uneven terrain;

f. third and fourth pairs of transverse arms rigidly secured to saidsupports and extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions, withsaid arms in each third and fourth pairs being laterally spaced adistance less than that between oppositely disposed legs of one of saidcontainers;

g. a pluralityof second container-supporting frames which when in firstpositions are disposed between said third and fourth pairs of arms; I

h. fifth means for movably supporting said second frames on said thirdand fourth pairs of arms;

i. power means for selectively moving said second frames and fifth meansto second positions above said arms where containers supported on saidframes can be transported on said vehicle to a desired location; and

j. sixth means operatively connectingsaid third wheel assembly to saidfirst wheel assembly for'pivoting said third wheel assembly to trackwith said power-driven wheels and said first wheel assembly as saidvehicle moves forwardly. j v

7. A combination as defined in claim means further includes: g

a. a second transverse crossmember secured in a fixed position to theupper rear portion of said first wheel assembly;

b. third and fourth semicircular groovedguides that extend towards oneanother from said second crossmember and said third wheel assembly;

c. pulley means mounted on said second drawbar; and

d. first and second crossed-over cablesextending longitudinally alongsaid second crossbar to engage said pulley means and said first andsecond cables rigidly secured'to said second crossmember and said thirdwheel assembly.

8. A combination as defined in claim. 1 which further includes a thirdvehicle, comprising:

I a. a third drawbar pivotally connected to the rear end of said seconddrawbar;

b. three fifth pairs of arms extending outwardly from the sides and rearend of said third drawbar;

6 wherein said sixth all 'c. three third container-supporting frames,which when in first positions, are disposed between said three fifthpairs of arms;

d. power means for raising said third frames to second positions wherecontainers supported by said frames may be trans orted to a desiredlocation; and e. a fif pneumatic-tired wheel assembly rigidly secured tosaid third drawbar for movably supporting said third vehicle.

9. A combination as defined in claim 6 wherein said fifth means comprisea plurality of links pivotally connected to said second frames and saidsecond and third pairs of arms.

10. A combination as defined in claim 9 wherein an individual one ofsaid power means is operatively associated with each of said pairs ofarms for concurrently lifting two of said second frames disposed betweensaid pairs of arms, situated on opposite sides of said second drawbar.

11. in combination with a pair of laterally spaced, guidablepneumatic-tired, power-driven wheels provided with a first crossmembersituated thereabove that occupies a fixed position relative to aidwheels, a first vehicle for transporting a plurality of generallyrectangular, mobile, flat-bottomed containers, from the corners of whichwheel-supporting legs project downwardly, which first vehicle comprises:

a. an elongate drawbar including a raised horizontal forward extension;

b. first means for pivotallyconne'cting said extension to sub stantiallythe center of said crossmember;

c. a first pneumatic-tired wheel assembly pivotally connected to therear end of said drawbar; v

d. a second pneumatic-tired wheel assembly intermediately disposed undersaid drawbar in a supporting position between said extension and saidfirst wheel assembly;

e. a plurality of pairs of spaced parall'el'forks extending outwardly intransverse alignment from opposite sides of said drawbar;

f. a plurality of pairs of uprights secured to the inner ends of saidforks;

g. a plurality of sets of upper and lower horizontal rigid membersconnected to said pairs of uprights;

- h. a plurality of pairs of brackets secured to the inner surfaces ofsaid uprights;

i. a plurality of rollers rotatably supported from said brackets; p

j. a plurality of vertical guides extending upwardly from said drawbar,which guides are movably engaged by said rollers;

k. power means operatively associated with said drawbar and each twopairs of transversely aligned forks for concurrently moving said twopairs to elevated positions, which two pairs when in engagement with twoof said containers holds said bins at elevated positions wherebysaidbins may be transported on said vehicle to a desired destination;and i I. second meansoperative connecting said first wheel assembly andsaid first crossmember for pivoting said first wheel assembly tosubstantially track with said powerdriven wheels as said vehicle movesforwardly to transport said containers to a desired location, with saidcontainers being removable from said vehicle when said location has beenreached by operationof said power means to move said forks into loweredpositions where said containers rest on a supporting surface and may berolled outwardly away from said vehicle.

12. A vehicle as defined in claim 11 wherein said power means arehydraulically operated.

